The sway of spotted salamanders is a perfect ritual dance for Valentine's Day (which is this week, just in case you need a friendly reminder).

The sway of spotted salamanders is a perfect ritual dance for Valentine's Day (which is this week, just in case you need a friendly reminder).

Animals are trying to beat the "Survivor" odds to outwit and outlast the hardships of winter (and to also outplay their opponents).

Animals are trying to beat the "Survivor" odds to outwit and outlast the hardships of winter (and to also outplay their opponents).

Recycling is critical in our “throwaway society” -- and the same is also true in nature.

Recycling is critical in our “throwaway society” -- and the same is also true in nature.

In the early 1970s, America’s bald eagles were headed for extinction, and had become an endangered species. Although extinction is a natural process, the worldwide rate of extinctions has increased alarmingly due to human activities.

When winter winds chill us to the bone, we bundle up in sweaters, down vests and fleece parkas. Wild animals, on the other hand, must endure the cold.A mammal’s fur and its thick layers of fat provide insulation that conserves body heat.

When winter winds chill us to the bone, we bundle up in sweaters, down vests and fleece parkas. Wild animals, on the other hand, must endure the cold.A mammal’s fur and its thick layers of fat provide insulation that conserves body heat.

Grab your coat, scarf and gloves and get outside to take in the true sounds of the season. We often think of winter as a quiet time in nature. Chilling winds suppress any desire to wander outside, but the sounds of winter are waiting to be heard -- if you choose to brave the cold.